A stage adaptation of Ayn Rand's novel "Anthem" will be presented in New York by the Austin Shakespeare Theatre Company.

Anthem will be performed at the Baryshnikov Arts Center, with previews beginning Sept. 25, prior to an official opening Oct. 7. Performances will continue through Dec. 1.

The novel was adapted for the stage by composer Jeff Britting, curator of the Ayn Rand Archives.

"Anthem is the story of a young man, Equality 7-2521, who is born into a future world that has banished all individuality," press notes state. "Not satisfied with a world lighted by candles, Equality fosters his love of discovery in an abandoned subway, a relic of the past. In solitude, Equality rediscovers electricity and a new source of light. Above ground he meets and falls in love with Liberty 5-3000, committing a further 'sin of preference.'"

"Anthem" was first published in 1938 and poses the ethical-political issue of individualism vs. collectivism. Rand, author of "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged," is known for her philsophical system called Objectivism.

Directed by Ann Ciccolella, artistic director of the Austin Shakespeare Theatre Company, the cast of Anthem includes Matthew Lieff Christian as Equality, Lelund Durond Thompson as International, Tina Johnson as Old Woman, and Sofia Lauwers as Liberty, and Sarah Walker Thornton and Alex Teicheira as the ensemble. The creative team of Anthem includes set design by Kevin Judge, costume design by Theresa Squire, lighting design by Jason Amato and sound design by Anthony Mattana.

Tickets and more information are available by calling (866) 811-4111 or visiting AnthemthePlay.com.